Narashino-no-sato Gyokusui

To deliver the finest free-flowing Onsen straight from the source, it takes essential expertise that factors in the day’s weather, air temperature, and the condition of the Onsen itself. While most Accommodations have abandoned this craft and rely on mechanical control, we have remained committed—since our main branch was founded over a century ago—to temperature and Onsen management by skilled artisans known as “Yumori.” Keeping a natural spring source of around 100°C at a consistently perfect bathing temperature is, in fact, an extremely difficult task to maintain throughout the year as daily weather and temperatures change. Human skin is so sensitive that even a 1°C difference from the ideal 42°C can feel “too hot” or “too lukewarm.” With the sincere wish for every guest to enjoy an Onsen that is always just right, our Yumori measure and adjust the temperature each day by hand at the wrist. Even across Japan, Yumori are rare. Please experience this traditional Japanese craftsmanship that has nearly been lost.

To celebrate our 110th anniversary, we installed a reflecting pool on the lounge terrace in July 2024 and renewed it as the Mikagami (Water Mirror) Terrace. You can now enjoy reflections of the garden on the water’s surface. In the evening, it is illuminated. We named it the Mikagami (Water Mirror) Terrace because the water looks like a mirror. On the surface of the black reflecting pool, you can see seasonal reflections: fresh greenery, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons from April to June; crape myrtle and wind chimes in August; and autumn leaves in November. At the center of the reflecting pool on the Mikagami Terrace, we have placed roots from a 200–300-year-old Japanese cypress tree. These roots were gifted to us after trees were felled during renovations at Jisho-in Temple in this area. Like our garden and trees, the Mikagami Terrace will also be refreshed with seasonal changes to its furniture and décor throughout the year. Please feel free to stop by for a relaxing break before or after your stroll through the garden.

The bamboo grove garden “Hikaridamari” rests within a primeval bamboo forest and a woodland of towering trees such as zelkova. Inspired by the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the gentle glow of bamboo lanterns, we named it Hikaridamari. In addition to the large trees and bamboo, a variety of seasonal plants take root here, including hydrangeas and autumn foliage. We offer spaces where you can immerse yourself in nature, such as an approximately 200-meter bamboo path, a dappled-light terrace, and gazebos. Bamboo crafts—such as bamboo lanterns and woven bamboo spheres—are placed throughout the grounds and are illuminated at night. By day, enjoy the sunlight while listening to the stream and rustling leaves; by night, under the lights, discover an entirely different atmosphere.

The Japanese-style garden “Hagoromo” is surrounded by a wide variety of plants, from trees and flowers to moss. In Satsuki, it is dressed in fresh greenery; in Kannazuki, in autumn leaves—changing its attire with each season. Inspired by this “leaf robe,” we named it Hagoromo. Within Hagoromo, walking paths are fully equipped so you can enjoy a more comfortable stroll. In addition, many of the lounge areas and Rooms are designed to overlook Hagoromo. Please enjoy its seasonal attire as you stroll through the garden, from the lounge, or from your Room.

At Nara Shinobu no Sato Gyokusui, you can enjoy beautiful scenery shaped by nature in every season.